Icing on the cake: optional extras

It can be hard to front up somewhere new. In our experience, it takes very little to turn away a potential swapper. A few small touches make our gathering welcoming and approachable.

Inelegant perhaps, but we’ve found that nametags really help people to feel welcome and comfortable within the group.

We wanted ‘down to earth’ style nametags to keep costs down and to suit the casual, organic spirit of the Swap. So we give ‘one more life’ to cereal packets destined for the recycling bin – cut to business card size, hole-punched, with a safety pin. A texta and spare nametags at the Swap are a good idea, and a small box with alphabetical dividers helps too.

Hot drinks at the Swap are strictly optional, but in our experience, can really ‘grease the wheels’. They create a welcoming atmosphere, and give out a signal that this is about much more than just exchanging fruit and vegetables. Swappers linger over a tea or coffee to compare notes and share ideas. Participants often bring homemade goodies to our Swap for ‘morning tea’ –these go perfectly with the coffee and tea!

Signage is not strictly necessary, but can help new attendees to find the Swap and also attract the attention of passers-by.

Consider simple options such as:

• vinyl banners can be inexpensive and effective, but do involve an initial cost

• simple cardboard signs using paint or texta can work well

• approach your Local Council or local businesses for assistance with signage, but do consider the impact of sponsors’ requirements for recognition (e.g. logos on the signs) on the perceived independence of your Swap

A website is not essential, but can be a good way for people to find out about your Swap and to share information between swappers. The West Croydon Fruit & Vege Swap’s website includes details of when and where we swap, media clips, recipes, comments, and ‘not-Blog’ articles about our Swap. Facebook, Wordpress and other free online services can provide a webbased space to publicise your Swap free of charge, but remember ‘SIMPLE IS BEAUTIFUL’ and that you do not need a website to run a successful Swap.